2004 Oldsmobile Alero recalls and problems

The 2004 Oldsmobile Alero has 1 safety recall and 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Oldsmobile dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
109
Crashes / fires
7 / 2
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Oldsmobile Alero vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Oldsmobile Alero recalls

Recall 14V-400: Electrical System

Reported Jul 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

2004 Oldsmobile Alero problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System59
Exterior Lighting24
Air Bags13
Engine13
Service Brakes, Hydraulic7
Power Train6
Suspension6
Structure5
Visibility5
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Steering5
Engine and Engine Cooling4

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 5
  • Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 5
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 5
  • Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch — 4
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 95,562 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Oldsmobile Alero complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 63,000 miles · reported May 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. The contact stated that while turning the key the vehicle failed to start. The blinkers were inoperable at times. There was an abnormal grinding sound detected while turning the ignition. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who test drove the vehicle and determined the failure was due to the ignition…
Structure · reported Feb 25, 2026
Lo que debes resaltar en el reporte: Kilometraje: 60,000 millas (especifica que el daño grave se notó a las 40,000). Componente: "Structure: Frame and Members" (Estructura: Chasis y travesaños). Riesgo: "Complete structural failure" (Fallo estructural completo
Service Brakes · reported Nov 14, 2024
I have exhaust coming into the car through the vent when thermostat is in use, my back seats are not in the clip and flip up with no problem and I have a 8 year old son who sits back there, my break pedal will lock and I cannot apply pressure, my dash lights just stopped working I believe the ECM is bad, my headlights go from bright to dim, car does not seem to keep acceleration power very well
Air Bags · reported Apr 3, 2024
Airbag no deployment Loss of power steering Brakes to floor Car died Recall ignored prior and still today after set up now off their schedule Friendly Chevrolet rich Gardner
Unknown or Other · reported Apr 3, 2024
Friendly Chevrolet 62704 has refused the open recall on my vehicle after being on schedule for tommrow 8a.m Service Manager Sir Richard said it's a waste of time and not my issue.

Other Oldsmobile Alero years

Compare all Oldsmobile Alero years · All Oldsmobile models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero: 14V-400 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (59 reports), followed by exterior lighting (24). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 95,562 miles.

Are Oldsmobile recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Oldsmobile dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.